At Halloween Havoc 2023, Lyra Valkyria became the second Irish-born wrestler to win the NXT Women’s Championship.
Becky Lynch entered what became an instant classic as the champion. The moment Valkyria stepped in the ring, the two made history as this was the first time that two Irish women competed for a WWE Championship.
In the end, Valkyria countered Lynch’s Man Handle Slam and rolled the champion up for the pin, taking the title. Lynch congratulated her competitor and raised Valkyria’s hand.
FULL MATCH — Becky Lynch vs. Lyra Valkyria – NXT Women’s Championship Match
Becky Lynch & Lyra Valkyria in Ireland
Over the last few decades, Irish indy wrestling has flourished. Since the debut of former WWE Champion Sheamus, the American wrestling audience has been paying more attention to the Irish indy market as well.
Promotions like Fight Factory Pro Wrestling, Over The Top, and Irish Whip Wrestling have all seen a rise in interest in recent years, both at home and internationally. This is because of the immense amount of talent displayed by so many of today’s indy wrestlers and the promise that these are the stars of the future.
After winning the NXT Women’s title Valkyria called Lynch an inspiration. Lynch has served as her mentor for many years beginning back on the independent circuit in Ireland. Lynch, who has been a main roster star for WWE for years has worked with Valkyria on and off since she first signed with NXT UK in 2018. Their relationship has come full circle with Lynch dropping the strap to Valkyria at Halloween Havoc on night one.
Special Guest: Jade Cargill
It wouldn’t be wrestling without a few surprises, and that extended to The Man’s match against Valkyria.
After the video promo packages, before the entrants made their way to the ring, Jade Cargill appeared.
Cargill is the biggest WWE signing in a long time and possibly their biggest signing of female talent ever. Cargill is the former TBS Champion from rival brand All Elite Wrestling. She’s made it pretty clear that she has her eyes on both the NXT Women’s Championship and Becky Lynch.
Now, the question is, will Cargill go after Valkyria to try and take her title?
The Future of Irish Wrestlers in WWE
Sheamus (Stephen Farrelly), Becky Lynch (Rebecca Quin), and Lyra Valkyria (Aoife Cusack) have all become staples of the WWE and it’s hard to imagine the show without them. However, Farrelly and Quin have both already had long and decorated careers and it is likely that Quin will step away again soon to have another child.
Young stars like Valkyria ensure that we will be seeing lots of Irish talent in the WWE for years to come.